Dwell in Him

By David R. Ferguson

    Buying a house can be a daunting task. You almost need to learn a completely new language just to pretend to understand all the terminology suddenly being thrust upon you, with words such as escrow, closing costs, appraisal, title search, balloon payments, adjustable mortgage rate, down payments, etc., etc.
    If buying a house is getting you down, you might want to take a few moments to relieve that stress and ask yourself, “Do I want a house for my soul?”
    You may ask, "How much does it cost?"
    This is a house that no money can buy. It isn’t something you can rent, for it is without price. Jesus Christ is neither purchased or rented. But you can actually live in the Master's House for all eternity, with nothing to pay for it, for it has already been bought and paid for by the blood of the Lamb of God. In return, you can receive His eternal love and riches and joy as you lovingly serve Him forevermore in joyful songs of praise.
    Will you take Jesus and dwell in Him? His House is furnished with all you want; it is filled with riches more than you can spend as long as you live. In His House you can have intimate communion with Christ and feast on His love. His tables are well-laden and His cupboards are well-stocked with spiritual food and drink to sustain you forever. In His house the weary will find rest with Jesus; and from it you have an unbelievably marvelous view of Heaven itself.
    “In My Father’s House are many dwelling places,” says Jesus. “If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2 [MEV]).
    Will you have the House Jesus is preparing for you? Jesus has paid the price in full. All you have to do is do as He says. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 [MEV]).
    "But," you say, "I am too shabbily attired for such a grand House." Don’t you worry about that! There are garments inside which will fit you perfectly, washed completely clean in the blood of the Lamb of God (Revelation 7:14), and shining brighter and whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7), for they are His garments He will clothe you with at baptism (Galatians 3:27).
    If you feel guilty and condemned, come to the Lord. Although the Master’s House is far too good for you, Jesus Christ will still accept you as a brother or sister, and share His inheritance with you whereby you can live forever in His House. He will wash you and cleanse you, purifying your soul, and you will yet be able to sing, Abide with Me.

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Lakeland Church of Christ in Mattoon, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakelandchurchofchrist/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com